Asphaltene Deposition:
Fundamentals, Prediction, Prevention, and Remediation
Objective
The objective of this course is to provide the fundamental framework to better understand the chemistry, stabilization theories and mechanistic approaches to predict asphaltene behavior at high temperatures and pressures. The course also discusses the state-of-the-art techniques for experimental determination of asphaltene precipitation and deposition, and the different modeling tools that are available to forecast the occurrence and the magnitude of this flow assurance problem in a given oil field. Also, a part of the course will be on current strategies for mitigation of asphaltene deposition, using chemical inhibition and the corresponding challenges. Furthermore, information on best practices for asphaltene deposition remediation will be included.
Intended Audience
Petroleum engineers, reservoir engineers, production chemists, flow assurance specialists, laboratory technicians, and anyone interested in learning more about asphaltene deposition problem and the state-of-the-art techniques for its prediction, prevention, and remediation.
Pre-requisites
Some knowledge of phase equilibrium thermodynamics and transport phenomena is desirable although the course does not require previous experience on these topics.
Topics
- 1. Asphaltene Chemical Structure and Physical Properties
- 2. Experimental Determination of Asphaltene Precipitation
- 3. Asphaltene Phase Behavior Modeling
- 4. Experimental Determination of Asphaltene Deposition
- 5. Modeling Methods for Prediction of Asphaltene Deposition
- 6. Strategies for Mitigation and Remediation of Asphaltene Deposition
- 7. Hands-on Case Studies
Duration: 2 days
Handouts and other course materials
Handouts on the technical content and case studies will be provided to all the attendees. An excel-based simulation tool will be also provided for hands-on experience in solving the proposed case studies (modeling of asphaltene phase behavior and asphaltene deposition prediction).
About the Instructor
Dr. Francisco “Paco” Vargas is Ennova’s Chief Technology Adviser. Paco is recognized among people from academia and industry for his novel experimental and modeling methods to understand and predict the phase behavior of petroleum systems and flow assurance problems, such as asphaltene deposition. He has also developed strategies to mitigate and remediate this problem. Paco is an assistant professor in the department of chemical and biomolecular engineering at Rice University and prior to this appointment, he was the manager of the flow assurance program of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and worked with the flow assurance team of Chevron ETC. Paco is well-known for his teaching abilities and his engaging approach in the classroom. He has been the recipient of various teaching and research awards in the UAE, USA and Mexico. 
